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Broadband rage
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The top 10 things you hate about broadband…and how to fix them
What makes you really mad about broadband? We take a look at your top 10 gripes, and no-fuss ways to fix them…
Broadband internet access has revolutionised the way we use our computers and access the internet. Rapid improvements in technology mean we can browse websites and download information faster than ever before…
However, there are still times when your broadband service or internet service provider (ISP) will make you want to scream!
Michael Phillips, product director at BroadbandChoices.co.uk reveals simple solutions to these irritating problems.
1. Slow broadband speeds
Annoyance: Most broadband customers find their package does not reach the advertised speed. The headline “up to” speed is a rare treat experienced by very few. When you’re paying for an 8Mbps connection, and only getting half that, it can certainly feel like you’re missing out!
Fix it: There are a number of issues that may affect broadband speeds. Download our free speed tester to find out what speed you are getting. If it is much slower than the service you are paying for then you should complain to your ISP. Under Ofcom’s Voluntary Code of Practice, a total of 32 suppliers have now agreed to provide more accurate speeds in marketing materials, but until they get their acts together there are plenty of things you can do yourself to improve your connection speed. For example, you might want to think about repositioning your router, replacing your antenna or investing in a wireless repeater.
Complete guide to boosting your broadband speeds
2. Restrictions on download limits
Annoyance: Many ISPs offer packages with “unlimited downloads”, however, more often than not, they come with “fair usage policies”. This means that you may have your connection restricted if you download significant volumes of data each month.
Fix it: To start with, download BroadbandChoices.co.uk Download Monitor, which will allow you to keep a close eye on your usage. Then, if you feel your ISP’s fair usage policy is far from “fair”, switch to Sky (www.Sky.com) which has removed the fair usage policy on its Max Broadband package, or to Be (www.BeThere.co.uk) or O2 (www.O2.co.uk), neither of which have ever restricted a single user to date.
Fair usage broadband – is it really fair?
Top five ISPs for downloading
3. MAC codes
Annoyance: When switching your ISP your existing provider may delay sending you your MAC code (Migration Authorisation Code), which can be extremely frustrating.
Fix it: Regulator Ofcom (www.ofcom.org.uk) has now made it compulsory for your previous provider to supply you with your MAC code within 5 working days. So know your rights and contact Ofcom if you believe your ISP is in breach of these new rules.
New rules on MAC codes
Ten tips on switching broadband
4. Tag on the line
Annoyance: A “tag” or “marker” on your landline (usually encountered when the line has been disconnected) can be extremely difficult to get rid off, especially when you have no idea how it got there or who to call to deal with it. This is common annoyance with those who have recently moved into a new home.
Fix it: If you know which ISP previously supplied the house with broadband, call them and ask them to remove the tag. If this is not possible, call the provider you would like to switch to as they should be best placed to provide accurate information and advice regarding the tag.
Dealing with a tag on your phone line
5. Broadband without a landline/line rental
Annoyance: It costs £130 for a landline to be connected plus £10.50 a month in line rental. This is an annoying pre-requisite for broadband and a cost that many people would rather avoid.
Fix it: If you live in an area that is covered by Virgin Media (www.virginmedia.com) you could get a cable service. For this you don’t need to pay line rental, and installation costs only £30.00. Alternatively, some providers such as Tiscali (www.tiscali.co.uk) offer inclusive line rental in certain areas. If you want broadband without a landline at all, your only option is mobile broadband. Getting broadband through a mobile broadband USB stick is increasing in popularity, but watch out for costly data charges if you exceed your download limits.
Finding the best mobile broadband deal
6. Moving home
Annoyance: Carrying over a broadband package when you move to a new property can be quite difficult, with most providers charging admin fees and forcing you to renew your contract. Having to cancel your package can be equally annoying, especially if you are fairly new into the contract. Both options are usually quite expensive.
Fix it: If you intend on moving house in the near future, steer clear of long contract broadband packages. Choose a flexible deal from one of the many providers who offer broadband without a minimum contract monthly term or with only a short three month commitment. Alternatively, choose mobile broadband which can be used wherever you go and however frequently you move with no difficulty (signal permitting!).
Guide to no contract broadband
7. Inadequate routers
Annoyance: More often than not, the router or modem supplied by your provider will not achieve the maximum speeds possible on your connection.
Fix it: If you crave better signal strength and faster wireless broadband speeds, you can buy your own, higher quality router (these normally cost around £70). However, be wary of doing this if you lack technical expertise or if you get your broadband from Sky. Sky strictly prohibits the use of any other router except their own and while other ISPs will support the use of other routers, no major broadband provider - apart from Talk Talk (www.talktalk.co.uk) - is able to provide you with any technical support unless you are using the router supplied by them.
Ask our expert – Using your own router
8. Long contract terms
Annoyance: A great number of 18 or 24 month contracts can end up costing more than you first expect after the initial three month introductory prices disappear. Being tied in for so long may also leave you stuck with an outdated package, missing out on new deals.
Fix it: Use our BroadbandChoices.co.uk package calculator to find the best deals over the first 12 months, or if you really don’t want to be tied in look at packages that offer more flexibility such as PlusNet’s (www.plus.net) one month contract or AOL’s (www.aolbroadband.co.uk) Wireless Flexi deal.
Compare broadband packages
9. Additional costs / returning hardware
Annoyance: Cancellation charges and returning (or paying for) your router or modem can be an unpleasant surprise when cancelling a contract.
Fix it: Check your contract carefully! You may incur charges if you don’t return your hardware and if you cancel your contract early you may have to pay the balance of your remaining term in one lump sum. Return any free hardware that you were given to the ISP if it states this is a requirement in your contract. Don’t sell your old router on eBay!
The hidden costs of broadband
10. Switching Providers
Annoyance: Switching from one provider to another can be frustrating, especially if you still get bills from your previous provider.after the switch has been made.
Fix it: Wait until your current contract is up or about to finish before switching, otherwise you may have to pay for the balance of the year’s costs in one lump sum. Ensure that you receive written confirmation that the contract is over to ensure that any future dispute can be dealt with as quickly as possible.
Ten tips on switching broadband
New rules make it easier to switch broadband suppliers
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